Dirty Roll Past
Even while we prepare for the future, we must still take time to remember the past. As A Sqn pushes on with it’s training for deployment to Afghanistan, we manage to take a tactical pause to honour those Dragoons who came before us.
A long standing tradition for the Royal Canadian Dragoons is to mark the anniversary of the battle of Leliefontein with a period of team building activities, Mess Dinner’s, and a Parade. As A Sqn nears the culmination of its Road to War, tradition moves us to show our respect for the battle that saw three Dragoons awarded the Victoria Cross.
Starting what may become a new tradition, A Sqn chose to show its respect by conducting a “Dirty Roll Past” on parade. As something that was new to most of us, this roll past took a bit of practice. Under the direction of the SSM, MWO Pichie, A Sqn quickly perfected the precise timing and coordination to make things look sharp.
As we marshalled our Coyote’s just short of the parade square, we were informed that the CDS and former Commanding Officer of the Dragoons, Gen. Natynczyk, was present, along with the newly minted Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier General (Ret) Dean. With this in mind, A Sqn knew that we needed to put on a good show. With the Sqn pennant flying from his antenna, Sgt Milarchuk (63C) was a focal point of attention.
As we rolled onto the parade square things simply fell into place. With flawless execution each Coyote turned their turret toward the Dias, dipped its cannon as the Crew Commander snapped a sharp salute and carried on, following OC A Sqn, Maj Lillington, back to the A Sqn Hangar to conduct maintenance.
As A Sqn pushes on with its training and preparations for EX California Bear, it is clear that we need to remember the past as we hope to be remembered in the future. As it is everyday, 7 Nov is an especially fine day to be a Dragoon.
A long standing tradition for the Royal Canadian Dragoons is to mark the anniversary of the battle of Leliefontein with a period of team building activities, Mess Dinner’s, and a Parade. As A Sqn nears the culmination of its Road to War, tradition moves us to show our respect for the battle that saw three Dragoons awarded the Victoria Cross.
Starting what may become a new tradition, A Sqn chose to show its respect by conducting a “Dirty Roll Past” on parade. As something that was new to most of us, this roll past took a bit of practice. Under the direction of the SSM, MWO Pichie, A Sqn quickly perfected the precise timing and coordination to make things look sharp.
As we marshalled our Coyote’s just short of the parade square, we were informed that the CDS and former Commanding Officer of the Dragoons, Gen. Natynczyk, was present, along with the newly minted Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier General (Ret) Dean. With this in mind, A Sqn knew that we needed to put on a good show. With the Sqn pennant flying from his antenna, Sgt Milarchuk (63C) was a focal point of attention.
As we rolled onto the parade square things simply fell into place. With flawless execution each Coyote turned their turret toward the Dias, dipped its cannon as the Crew Commander snapped a sharp salute and carried on, following OC A Sqn, Maj Lillington, back to the A Sqn Hangar to conduct maintenance.
As A Sqn pushes on with its training and preparations for EX California Bear, it is clear that we need to remember the past as we hope to be remembered in the future. As it is everyday, 7 Nov is an especially fine day to be a Dragoon.
Copyright 2009 Royal Canadian Dragoons, All Rights Reserved
